Airport Overview
Fulton County Airport–Brown Field (KFTY/FTY), widely called Charlie Brown Field, sits about seven miles west of downtown Atlanta and serves as the metro area's busiest dedicated general aviation and corporate reliever. Owned and operated by Fulton County, it offers a fast, congestion-free alternative to Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) for business and private travelers, with a 24-hour control tower and round-the-clock operations.
Runway Capability
The main runway, 8/26, is 5,796 feet of grooved asphalt and handles light, midsize, and most super-midsize business jets. The crosswind runway, 14/32, is roughly 3,981 feet and is best suited to piston and turboprop traffic. An ILS to Runway 8 plus RNAV (GPS) and RNAV (RNP) approaches provide solid all-weather capability for an airport of this size.
FBOs & Ground Handling
Two FBOs operate at Brown Field: Signature Aviation and the long-established independent Hill Aircraft & Leasing. Both provide Jet-A and 100LL fueling, line service, transient and overnight parking, and hangar coordination, with Hill also offering maintenance and charter support. Fuel pricing at FTY typically runs well below the commercial pricing structure at ATL.
Charter Considerations
Brown Field's location close to downtown, Midtown, and west-side Atlanta business districts makes it the practical choice for time-sensitive trips, saving the terminal processing and ground time of a commercial airport. Peak demand around holidays, major Atlanta sporting and convention events, and college football weekends tightens aircraft availability; booking 7 to 14 days ahead secures better selection and pricing.
Safety & Planning
With a 24-hour tower, an ILS to Runway 8, and multiple RNAV approaches, KFTY supports dependable IFR access. The 841-foot field elevation keeps density-altitude effects modest even in summer heat. Pilots should note published guidance restricting engine run-ups on ramps in noise-sensitive areas and routine wildlife activity, including birds and deer, on and near the airfield during daylight hours.
Customs & International
Brown Field does not have on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection service. International arrivals must clear at a designated port of entry; the nearest is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), about ten nautical miles south. The Jet Finder can advise on routing and customs coordination for international charter to or from the Atlanta area.
Regional Context
Within the Atlanta metro, Brown Field complements DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK) to the northeast as the area's two principal corporate relievers. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) lies about ten nautical miles away and Dobbins Air Reserve Base (MGE) roughly eight, giving operators multiple alternates for repositioning, weather diversions, or comparing FBO and fuel options across the region.